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Heightened security at airports has come to haunt skydivers. Security personnel are now more likely to want to see inside a skydiving container. Having to open a reserve container can be a nightmare for most traveling skydivers. Jumpers traveling with their rig are doing so because they are going on a skydiving vacation or to a competition. Arriving at a boogie or meet in need of immediate rigging services is expensive and an available rigger is not a guarantee. The United States Parachute Association and the Parachute Industry Association has stepped into the fray to help skydivers in airport security searches. But after reading the letter from the Transportation Security Administration, I’m not too sure we’re in any better of a situation. On August 18, the TSA issued a nationwide aviation directive to its screeners and security personnel on parachute screening procedures. The good news is that the directive makes it clear that parachutes and associated components are allowed on all commercial planes. The screeners and security personnel now have TSA-supplied information on parachutes, rigs and automatic openers. The bad news is that screeners can still have your reserve container opened as part of the “standard screening process,” according to a letter from the TSA. You will be able to watch and/or assist, but the bottom line is the same: your reserve may be opened for a security inspection. The TSA does provide tips for reducing the chances of a search. The TSA says skydivers should pack a rig in its own bag with nothing else and clearly mark the bag as a “parachute.” It is further recommended that skydivers carry their rigs onto the plane rather than checking them in. Apparently there is a higher chance of a search for checked baggage. And lastly, if a parachute is packed after golfing, fertilizing your lawn, applying lotion or shooting fireworks it could trigger the screening machine. So don’t do it. :-)

I’ve bought small quantities of Velcro from a number of sources for years. Sometimes from the local fabric or hardware stores, other times from skydiving gear stores. Even though most rigging repair work involves replacing the pile section, many suppliers only sell the hook and pile section together. Velcro prices range from $1.50 a yard to $5 a yard, plus shipping. A rigger can end up spending $50 for 5 yards of the three most common sizes of Velcro. For those riggers out there who can buy in bulk, you will save a lot of money in the long run in buying 50-yard spools from DJ Associates. I recently ordered a 50-yard spool of 1” pile Velcro and a 50-yard spool of 2” Velcro from DJ Associates. The end cost of each amounted to less than $1 a yard. On top of the low prices, the Velcro is mil-spec and seems to be a better quality than any other Velcro I have purchased in the past. DJ Associates can be found on the web at www.dj-associates.com. The company’s phone number is 479-452-3987. The company has an on-line catalog as well as a printed one that they will send to you free of charge. Besides Velcro, I have also purchased thread, hardware, snaps and cutting equipment. The quality of the products as well as the customer service has been unbeatable. DJ Associates has a great nylon thread deal for riggers just getting into the business. For just under $30, you can purchase 12 1-ounce spools of assorted colored thread. DJ Associates has two different packages of colors (one standard and the other fluorescent), so for $60 you could have just about every color you will need to make parachute, jumpsuit and container repairs. The company also has good prices on hot knives and rope cutters. While the assortment of materials isn’t as wide as Para-Gear, the prices are much better. The only catch being having to buy in bulk.